RCMP statistics for the first quarter (Q1) of 2024 in Gibsons, show 272 calls for service compared to 490 calls in the last three months of 2023. Q1, includes service calls from January, February and March 2024.
RCMP Cpl. Philip Atoui, who presented the statistics at a special council meeting in Gibsons May 21, explained the lower numbers of service calls is partially due to the fact the area of Elphinstone was previously included in the statistics. Atoui said, Elphinstone, which borders Gibsons, will no longer be included in their quarterly reports.
Those 272 service calls included common assault, assault with a weapon, sexual assault, uttering threats, extortion and harassment.
Atoui told council the RCMP has been working very closely with probation officers to actively monitor offenders who have arrest warrants on the Sunshine Coast, especially those individuals who have conditions attached to their release. He noted part of the RCMP’s mandate and objective is to follow up and ensure these individuals are obeying their court orders. During Q1, RCMP monitored six offenders living on the Sunshine Coast and executed 18 arrest warrants.
Moving on to community policing, Atoui told council Cst. Karen Whitby has been working hard to help address mental health issues on the Coast and has been part of a provincial liaison group dedicated to finding solutions. He noted a mental health tool being discussed for use in Gibsons is Health IM, which is already in use in Ontario, some areas of Alberta and some cities across the province. The digital tool was designed to assist officers attending mental health crisis calls by offering guidance from health officials to better understand the behaviour of the person who prompted the call. It also offers evidence-based information about mental health and addiction situations.
Atoui noted fraud is on the rise on the Sunshine Coast, so the RCMP will continue to try and raise awareness about the issue by holding fraud awareness presentations and attending a community forum at Halfmoon Bay regarding safety concerns.
As for traffic safety, Atoui said in the past the Speedwatch program was helpful by providing visibility and speed awareness across the Sunshine Coast. He added, the loss of the program’s community safety coordinator position means recruitment for volunteers is on hold. He noted that due to the positive benefits of the program, he’s been working hard with another officer to get it back up and running.
Atoui said B.C. Highway Patrol conducted traffic enforcement throughout the Coast five times in Q1, but noted as soon as they’re in place, social media “blows up” with information about where they’re parked.
Finally, Atoui said the Gibsons RCMP continues to support the Special Olympics by taking part in the Polar Bear Plunge fundraising event. Atoui noted he attended the February event with every intention of taking the plunge, but had to leave to attend a “priority call that nobody believed.”
